Redwood National and State Park

I followed the James Irvine, to Fern Canyon, to Clintonia, to Miner’s Ridge trail, which is a loop starting at the Prairie Creek Visitor’s Center. Get there early during the high season as parking is limited. It took me 6 hr 23 min, for 14.8 miles and 1800 ft elevation.

The size of the Redwood trees is very difficult to capture through photos. At one point on the trail, you come across a few downed trees and can walk up on a log through to where the trunk was, easily 10-20 meters above the trail. It’s an expedition in of itself.

Also, the sheer quantity of large trees is impressive. It’s not just a few groves, it’s an entire forest, covered with these massive giants.

Finally, the arrival into Fern Canyon from the forest, rather than from road along the beach, was particularly spectacular, well worth the hike. I highly recommend it.

• National Park Service: Redwood National and State Park
• AllTrails: James Irvine, to Fern Canyon, to Clintonia, to Miner’s Ridge trail
• Redwood Hikes: The Miners Ridge and James Irvine Loop